Chapter 7
Albus had had quite a rough day in the ministry today—the new minister had formally been introduced in front of the press and the row of questions had issued along with a formal conference with the wizagnamot—Albus briefing Rufus on the happenings, the advice sessions and the things that were just taken for granted from one Albus Dumbledore.
Albus shook off his trench coat and pulled out the scarf, along with the outer cloak as he placed it carelessly on one of the arm chairs in his office. Fawkes's gentle snoring could be heard, he was at the end of his cycle again—pity, thought Albus as he glanced at his black hand. He thrust his wand forward and dosed off the fire as he bid the portraits goodnight. He hadn't noticed a certain witch curled up on his couch, but when he walked past he was pulled back by her fragrance. She still used it, that perfume he kept gifting her every anniversary—because Albus was normally the one receiving things and apart from candy which Minerva seemed to have no taste for—he had absolutely no choice—even his dress robes were eccentric—sometimes he wondered how the woman even fell in love with an idiot like him. What was she doing here anyway?
He walked closer noticing a pile of graded papers lay on the coffee table next to the couch, while his wife was breathing softly curled in a ball with his pillow below cuddled protectively in her arms. He chuckled as he sat down next to her and looked at the papers on the table, he picked one up and read it, it belonged to the fourth years—to one Dennis Creevy 'needs more work!'
He placed the parchment down gently with the rest as his eyes travelled to his wife, his wife who had been waiting just for him to return, his wife who had no idea of how soon she was going to be widowed. He thought of Minerva at his funeral—he knew she was never one for crying, but when she did, she would refuse to stop till she was exhausted into nothingness, where would she go? Who would comfort her in those times—she so desperately used to cling to him too.
"Albus-?" Minerva stirred as she opened one green eye to look at the man in maroon robes sitting next to her in the dark, his silver beard shinning in the moon light coming through the open window.
"Yes—darling," he said softly, in a swift movement cleared his eyes before she saw him this way, but he was too slow—after all she was his quick little tabby.
"What's wrong?" she asked worriedly as she winced slightly when she sat up straight.
"Nothing—my love—nothing at all," he said pulling her into him, as she rest against his strong chest but he used only one hand to keep her there, usually she demanded both but since that curse she was fine with just one, although he kept telling her it was nothing to worry about, she had stopped bothering—it was a miracle that nothing had happened to Albus with all that sweet consumption, she doubted anything like a mere curse could harm her husband.
She rubbed her hand over his as he slowly placed his mouth over hers, making her grin as his moustache brushed against her face lightly.
"I was waiting for you—," she replied softly as he hummed something into her neck kissing the hollow as she caressed his face with her fingertips.
"Shall we go to bed?" she asked him softly as his lips dipped into a crescent as his wife proceed into his bed chambers with him following her behind, the door was shut safely behind them, and if he died tonight, which was unlikely—he would be lucky to have—he would die with his wife in his arms.
Severus walked as fast as he could, Hogsmeade was quite safe in the night and it wasn't that he was afraid of an attack—after all he was secure from both the sides—currently. There were several tiny lights on in several tiny cottages as Severus passed them. One particular duplex caught his eyes. The light in the room on the top was pouring out through the curtained window. He could see the silhouette of a woman moving around, he could tell by her movement that she was changing her clothes, Severus watched enticed as he saw the curved shadow move around, one moment she was taking her jacket off the next the vest, she tied up her hair in to the highest pony she could manage at the back of her head.
"Snivellus?" called a voice behind him, as he jumped up startled, his cheeks were slightly flushed, thank merlin for his robes.
"What are you doing here!" snarled Black glaring at him as he looked up at what Severus had been looking at before. Of course—the mutt lived here as well on the ground floor section. He must have come back from Hogwarts after shagging Sinistra.
"Nothing Black—not that it should bother your nut sized brain," sneered Severus.
"What kind of nut?" asked Sirius bewildered, Severus knew instantly that he was drunk. He smelt of it, Severus frowned—he did not trust black—and Black drunk—Rachel was alone-with a drunk Black—what if something—No—he was her best friend—he would never do something like this—not Black—how much ever he despised the man, Severus knew Black wasn't that type of man—plus—he already seemed satisfied enough—but yet Severus felt extra protective in this situation—but he knew he had nothing to worry about.
"Honestly Black—get to bed—you're piss drunk!" said Severus frowning and shaking his head reproachfully.
"Yes—do you want to come inside?" asked Black slurring as Severus choked back on the comment he was about to make.
"No!" spat Severus disgustedly.
"Fine—suit yourself—although—I keep hearing her swift and turn all the time—she gets rather alone at night—keeps hogging the fridge," said Sirius pitifully shaking his head as he went to the door and fumbled with the keys as Severus shook his head and risked a glance up at Rachel's window, the lights were off. He took a step forward only to be called back by Black.
"Snape—do you think you can get away with my keys!" snarled Sirius angrily as Severus turned his hair whipping his face with the motion.
"I don't have your keys Black—they're in your bloody hands!" snarled Severus at the accusation.
"Of course—now I demand that you open the door this instant!" slurred Black inebriated.
"I am not your house elf Black!" snarled Severus angrily.
"No?—ugh-" asked Sirius as he crouched into the bushes as bleached away. Severus turned away instantly—the smell of vomit lingering was disgusting him as Sirius stood up wiped his mouth and started singing a song.
"Shut up Black!" snarled Severus as he raced to the man's side, helped him steady up and opened the door for him.
"Night—night—Snivellus!" laughed Black as he shut the door on Severus's frowning face.
Severus stood a little shocked as he growled angrily to himself as large of gust of wind blew sharply indicating the incoming of a bad storm as the clouds above him thundered resenting his presence. Now he would definitely be getting wet because of that imbecile Black.
Another glance went towards Rachel's window as he saw the curtains flying furiously, his eyes trailed to the creepers that seemed soft but, their bunched train grew directly into her window. Severus frowned—what was she thinking—keeping the window open? It was going to rain any moment—also it was absolutely unsafe to have a trail of creepers growing to your window—what if someone broke in? What if they were death eaters? Severus shook his head as he took another step forward when he got an odd idea. He walked back towards the wall of the cottage and traced his hand over the creepers. He launched one leg in between a gap and pulled himself up with his hands, thankfully there were no thrones. Another step up and the creepers began to shake, but they did not break, he pulled himself up again, reaching for the window as his leg got caught in the gap.
"Shit!" he said murderously to himself as a loud thundering noise was heard from above him, the rain poured down without warning, drenching him and his robes, making him look like a black shadow—even more frightful than a ghoul, he flipped his hair around and pushed it behind his ears as he felt vibrations from below him, the creepers were breaking, they had gotten soft due to the wetness and could no longer support his weight. The whole train fell with a pathetic thud freeing Severus's leg although scratching it brutally-the same one again that had been bitten that three headed monstrosity named fluffy and that bastard old elf. Severus hung with his hands from her window still as he tried to push himself up but he failed, he would have to start his morning run again. He tried pushing his legs into the wall and climbing up but that too didn't work. This was becoming rather embarrassing; he had wanted to teach Rachel a lesson in safety while doing something crazy himself. What was he thinking? He wasn't 19 anymore, he couldn't climb walls and jump roofs!—why was he acting like a love sick teenager.
"Severus, what the bloody hell are you doing?" asked Rachel softly; she had come to the window still to shut the window as the rain was coming in.
"Nothing, just hanging!" he replied sarcastically in an annoyed tone as he was completely wet now.
"Do you plan on hanging around or are you going to leave in a bit?" she asked casually.
"I haven't decided yet!" he snarled angrily as Rachel giggled. She leaned outside the window her hair cascading to the side as tiny droplets entwined in between them.
"You think you've learnt your lesson—in teaching me one?" asked Rachel pushing an eyebrow up as he glared at her a small pout on his face, so she had read his mind had see, sneaky little minx!
"Maybe," he replied as softly and as embarrassedly as he could manage. She laughed as she held his hands and helped him inside with a little effort.
"You're drenched!" she exclaimed shaking her head as she shut the window, the rain got heavier, she walked pulled open the wardrobe and him a towel, he just used to wipe his face.
"Sit," she ordered him and pushed him to sit on the edge of her bed. She then proceeded to take of his cloak, and then undo the buttons of his frock coat; he shifted behind instantly, pushing her hands away.
"What? Nothing that I haven't seen before!" she said softly pushing herself up slowly and pushing her lips into his as his hands held her back and stroked it softly as she successfully rid him of his shirt.
"So many buttons!" she exclaimed annoyed as she gave him a vibrant smile.
"Rachel! Black is below!" he said as a slow groan left his mouth while she kissed him.
"Sirius is drunk—he isn't going to get up unless I pour three pails of water down his shirt," she smiled hoping that he would calm down.
"Besides—I can't possibly let you return—you might die of pneumonia," she said kissing him again as he chuckled this time. She sat up and pulled the towel to her and pushed it through his wet hair drying it as she massaged his head.
"You should really shut that window Ray," he said as she stopped when he used her name. She loved it when he used his voice to call her that—she had always loved his voice—she remembered mentioning it once that it was alluring.
"I know—but it was just so hot," she said calmly as sweat dripped down her forehead—it had gotten pretty warm since they had shut the window. He pulled out his wand from his the discarded robe on the ground and helped set a better temperature inside.
"Oh—so very kind of you sir," she said kissing his neck this time as one shift movement of his hands tugged her forward and made her straddle him. He kissed her this time, refusing to let her keep enjoying herself, his lips slowly traced her face, they soon landed at her lips, tug and pulling them till she let his tongue slip into her mouth, she loved being an obstruction, but he knew all the keys around her, they had done this before—too many times, so what if it had been years ago and maybe once last month—didn't mean they had forgotten each other—they had been in love—heck—they still were—they were not going to forgot how the other enjoyed attention in specific places. Like take Rachel for example, he knew all her soft spots, her lower lip, behind her ears, the left side hallow of her neck, her left shoulder blade, the point right below her left breast, five centimetres below her navel, in between her thighs and where else—but there—where his finger were caressing her through her pyjamas.
He loved teasing her, sex for them had been all about that, only when one of them caved in did, they finish the task. Like now, he thrust deep inside her as she eagerly meet his own, challenging him to go deeper, which he did making her shout out as he kissed her mouth shut stapling it with his as she continued to make soft noise through it. He was worried Black would come up any moment now—hearing her scream—he'd barge open the door to check if his friend was alright, but he didn't—there wasn't any sound from the staircase not one, not even when he slipped out of her slowly and she groaned at the loss of him.
He lay there on her panting for a few seconds as quickly pushed himself off her. She still lay there looking dreamily into the ceiling as the rain only got louder and louder outside as more thundering was heard in the furious sky. Severus pushed himself on his arm as he looked at her, her dishevelled look made him smile slightly as all her auburn waves fell flat on her face because of the sweat—he used his free hand to push them away clearing her face of any hair on it, the lingering smell of berries was around as he caressed her face, her eyes darted from the ceiling to him, they were soft and as blue as he could remember.
"I love you," he said softly as she frowned slightly as she pushed herself on her side just like he had.
"What's wrong?" he asked worried by her expression.
"Nothing—it's been so long since I heard you say that,"
"Only a month," he replied smiling.
"What about the rest sixteen years?" she asked as his smile dropped, he sighed softly.
"I love you too," she said slowly seeing she had possibly had him awkward by saying that—it wasn't her intention at all. He smiled at her.
"You've started smiling quite often now," she added tracing a finger over his lips.
"Do you like it?" he asked her as he pushed himself closer.
"Yes—makes you look more handsome," she said blushing slightly as he smiled his cheeks growing coloured instantly.
"It isn't going to stop raining any time soon, stay," she said a little pleading.
"What about Black? Won't he notice?" he asked, he hadn't really contemplated leaving anyway.
"We could obliviate him in the morning," she said kissing him softly as he laughed and pulled her into his arms as she snuggled closer. It took way more than a few kisses to get them sleep though.
Audrey frowned, she did not see either her father or her grandparents down for breakfast but she saw they hurry in when she walked up to the head table to hand in her quidditch schedule to madam hooch. She bid them good morning lightly as her grandparents gave her a small smile each.
Their first class was defence with the Slytherine, where Snape who had seemed to have been in an exceptionally good mood, had ended up cutting twenty points from Gryffindor along with giving Harry detention for being rude to him.
By lunch Audrey dragged herself to the transfiguration classroom where she did not find Malfoy waiting for her, she slumped a little. Only she knew how she had been able to lie to her friends and slip away—for what?
She sat down in the empty class room as another five minutes passed along with all of Audrey's patience, she was furious—was this some sort of joke to him—she was going to miss lunch—and they had astronomy after lunch—she did not want to miss astronomy—they were going to be doing theory today.
"Sorry, I am late—got caught up in charms," said Malfoy apologetically, as Audrey let her anger die down, he had apologised.
The class wasn't so bad—at least that was what Audrey thought—his basics were most faulty and they would need two or three sessions to fix them, although Audrey didn't seem to mind—Malfoy was a fast picker and he was most interested in the subject.
Around an hour and they departed in different directions, Malfoy went down to the great hall and Audrey went towards the astronomy classroom. Lucky for him, he had a free period, misfortunately for her, she didn't.
"Ms. Snape—where is your attention?" asked Sinistra most annoyed that her student seemed to be spaced out as Audrey stomach did a back flip and growled unpleasantly.
"Sorry professor," she said uncomfortably as another growl for food was heard. She decided she might have been too harsh on Malfoy to have decided to tutor him during lunch, besides it wasn't going to solve anything for either of them.
Audrey was most glad she had dinner to look forward to although that didn't work out to be in her favour either. Just as she had finished her first batch of fish fingers, a school owl dropped a rolled parchment next to her. It was signed to her and therefore Hermione went back to dinner while Audrey suppressed a small groan.
"Dear Audrey.
I would like it if you would come see me immediately; your presence in most crucial, password is bubblegum soda pops,"
Albus Dumbledore."
She quickly shoved some mashed potatoes and peas down her mouth followed by a helping of two more fish sticks. She stood crudely as she still chewed her food, picked up her bag, her school robe and swallowed whatever she could as the rest was washed down by the goblet of water.
"Where are you off to now?" asked Ron, he didn't like it when someone rushed through food.
"Sorry—Dumbledore—you know-got—to—I will see you later," she said rushing out of the hall.
Audrey reached the gargoyle statue in a few minutes as he said the horrendous password and then rode the revolving staircase up to his office. She stood outside the large door catching her breath before she knocked and then entered when she was permitted with a small 'yes' from inside.
"Ah...Audrey—lovely—I wasn't expecting you before dessert—but I am glad you took my note most seriously," smiled Albus as Audrey frowned, he gestured her into a seat as she realized her father was already in the room.
"What can I do for you?" she asked as Dumbledore proceeded to sit down in his chair, Audrey noticed her father looked most grave. But that didn't mean she was still angry at him for suggesting her to be Malfoy's tutor.
"How have your classes been?" began Albus as Audrey raised an eyebrow at him, he had most certainly had to be joking.
"You have not called me away from dinner—just to ask about my academics have you?" she asked a little annoyed as Albus chuckled lightly throwing a short glance over to Severus who seemed to have sighed.
"No—no—most certainly not," said Albus as Audrey waited for him to continue. She seemed quite impatient as Albus gave her another chuckle.
"Right to point then?—just like your father," he said shaking his head as Audrey slumped a little—why would he just tell her what he wanted.
"Right—Audrey—now you need to understand that this is a very special task that I am about to hand you," said Albus serious as Audrey perked up all her senses and listened attentively.
"You have to befriend Draco Malfoy," said Albus gravely as Audrey sat back in her seat, what? Did he just say? She began laughing, no, she cracked up completely. Albus looked at her worriedly as he waited for her to calm down.
"You want—me—to—what?—make friends—with Malfoy?—you have—to—be—joking," she laughed.
"This is no laughing matter!" snarled Severus glaring at her as she stopped.
"Ok—ok—sorry—but it was just so amusing—ok—so—what do I—really have to do?" she asked wiping her eyes as Albus frowned slightly.
"Make friends with him—get to know him," said Albus as Audrey began giggling again.
"Enough!" shouted her father angrily as Audrey jumped in her seat frowning at him, what was his problem?
"You're not kidding then?" asked Audrey horrified as she looked at the expressions on the two men as she grew as grave and positively angry at this concept.
"First you make me give him lessons and now you want me to be his friend—next thing—you'll want me to marry him and have his kids!" snapped Audrey wildly and directly at her father, who choked a little, apparently the prospect of grandchildren had never crossed his mind before.
"Calm down Audrey—I was the one who asked Severus to make you tutor him, it will be easier—if he trusts you," began Albus as Audrey frowned.
"And—why—why exactly do I need to be his friend?" huffed Audrey as the room grew fairly silent.
"Let's just say—he will be an asset in the future," gave Albus.
"Fine—then—I'll just go and tell the others about this—see how—"
"Oh, no—you can't do that Audrey—you most certainly cannot tell Harry and the others about this,"
"And why not?"
"Because Harry already has something else—something larger before him—he doesn't need to concern himself with this at the moment,"
"And what if they find out that I am friends with Malfoy-?" asked Audrey as her father turned to her and they had their own dialogue.
"Why should that be a problem?" he asked
"They hate each other!" she replied
"Who?"
"Gryffindor and Slytherine!"
"Gryffindor and Slytherine or Potter and Malfoy?"
"Fine—Harry and Malfoy!"
"Best you start calling him Draco!"
"I am not calling anyone anything!"
"I cannot do this!"
"Why not?"
"Because I don't know how to be two faced!"
An odd silence spread between father and daughter as Severus sank back down into his seat as Audrey realised the harshness of her articulation and the meaning of her words—after all he was the one who was a spy—he was technically on both sides.
"Pappa—I didn't—mean it that way," she said apologetically as Severus refused to look at her.
"Pappa—I'm sorry—I didn't mean it," she said kneeling down next to his chair.
"Severus?" asked Albus his voice telling Snape what he had too.
"I don't know Albus—it has to be her decision," said Severus waving a hand in the air half heartedly.
"I understand," replied Albus nodding.
"Why is it so important for me to be Draco's friend?" asked Audrey looking at Albus who sighed.
"Because we believe Draco is not who we thought he was—he is a good boy Audrey—he is sixteen—swayed away by his father's debts—he needs a friend Audrey—he needs someone to understand—he is alone—he might—he might—kill himself,"
"And you want me to be his friend—so that Malfoy won't commit suicide?" asked Audrey as Albus nodded, she scoffed.
"Fine—I'll try," she muttered.
"Audrey—trying will not suffice," said Albus.
"Betraying my friends to save the life of another—I will try!" she snarled, as Albus looked at her, trying did not seem very promising.
"Audrey!" said Albus again his voice almost pleading as she sighed, her eyes lingered over to her father who seemed to be grave and lost once more.
"Ok," she said softly, clenching her lower lip between her teeth.
"Excellent—but remember—no one but the order must know of this," said Albus as Audrey nodded and looked at her father, who was now standing next to her.
"I'll escort you to the common room—it is way past curfew," he said not looking at her.
As they walked in silent strides Audrey felt guilty that she had let her tongue take control, she kept throwing him pleading glances but he refused to look at her, when they reached the portrait hole, he turned and began walking away.
"Please pappa—I'm sorry—don't punish me this way," she cried as she crashed into his back hugging him tightly. She felt a hand brush through her hair. He pushed her away and turned to look at her better, placed both his hands on her shoulders and then cupped her faces wiping her tears.
"I am sorry you have to do this," he said softly as she sniffed.
"This is my entire fault,"
"Please don't say that—"he placed a finger on her lips.
"One day—Audrey—that is how long it took for you to change me—I have never loved anything in the world as much as I love you right now—and one day—you realise that I would give anything to keep you safe," said Severus suddenly as Audrey frowned—his words made no sense to her apart from the fact that he was telling her he loved her.
"I love you too pappa," she said hugging him again as Severus let her stay there before she was ready to let go off him—he knew he'd never be ready enough to let her go—he felt most sorry—for her—for himself—he was quietly pushing her down the road he so desperately wanted to come away from—to pull her away from—but he was helpless—just so helpless!